TEAM SPIRIT BEST EVER SAYS McMANAMAN

Callum McManaman says the spirit in Latics' dressing room is at an all time high.

Callum McManaman described the spirit in the DW Stadium home dressing room as the ‘best it’s ever been’ in his time with Latics.

McManaman, who is now in his fifth year with Latics’ first team, says Saturday’s 1-0 win over Leeds United shows the character within the group, with Uwe Rosler’s side far from their efficient best against the Whites, with three points the main aim in any game at this stage of the season.

“It’s a good confidence boost to beat Leeds,” McManaman said.

“The lads are great here anyway, the team spirit’s the best I’ve ever seen and hopefully we can make it our year and finish well.

“It was a massive win, I think it was a scrappy game and we probably went a bit long ball and didn’t play the way we usually play and we know we can do better but I think all the lads worked hard in the end and got a great win.

“That’s what it is about now at this stage of the season; getting three points – I thought the lads dug in really well.”

McManaman started for Latics for the first time since Latics’ 3-3 draw with Yeovil for the visit of Leeds and the former Everton youth was delighted to be given the opportunity ahead of another big week in Latics’ campaign with Millwall’s visit in the Sky Bet Championship coming before the FA Cup semi-final against Arsenal at Wembley.

“It was good to get back in the team; it’s a strong squad so I think the gaffer has to rotate a lot and I just have to take my chance because I want to be playing,” he added.

“We’ve got Millwall before the semi-final but yes we’re all looking forward to it and we’ll all be trying to get our place in the team.

“It’s different to last year with it being Arsenal but I don’t see why we can’t go there and win, though the immediate focus is on beating Millwall.”